Building a Deck That Withstands a Star Valley, Wyoming Winter
- unshakeablecustomh
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Building a deck that withstands a Star Valley, Wyoming winter takes some serious materials that have to work hard.
Personally, my favorite materials to use are natural wood - either cedar or redwood. There's nothing better than a beautifully stained deck that feels smooth underfoot.
In Star Valley, Wyoming, decks aren’t just summer spaces—they have to survive heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, months of moisture and harsh summer sunlight. If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your home, replacing an aging one, or just up-keeping one after you've been gone all winter, building it to last through our harsh winters is non-negotiable.
At Unshakeable Custom Homes, we build decks that aren’t just beautiful—they’re tough. Here’s what it takes to build a deck that can handle everything a Wyoming winter throws at it.
Start With the Right Materials
Not all decking is created equal. Here’s what we recommend:
Pressure-Treated Framing Lumber: Affordable and widely available. If you're building a low or patio-style deck, this is a non-negotiable in the framing. It can be used as decking, but lacks in the beauty department.
Cedar or Redwood: Naturally resistant to moisture and bugs, but still needs sealing in snowy climates. A two-coat, oil-based stain-and-sealer combo will last 2-3 years before needing to be re-applied.
Cedar is a cost-effective, soft wood that weathers easily, while redwood is more expensive and holds up much better to winter weather (especially when stained and sealed properly).
Composite Decking: Engineered to resist moisture, rot, and warping—this is a low maintenance option for Star Valley winters. Remember though, no deck is maintenance-free and should be taken care of with proper upkeep.
When most people think composite decking, they think Trex, but there's many other companies that manufacture extruded composite or PVC deck boards.
Pro Tip: Avoid untreated pine. It’s prone to rot and warping under snow load and moisture, and will crack when it dries out.
Designing With Slope in Mind
Flat decks might look good on paper, but in Star Valley, Wyoming, they become water traps.
I build every deck with a slight slope—about 1/8" per foot— to allow snow-melt and rain to drain correctly. I also space each row of deck boards about the width of a 16D nail to avoid cracking and to also help with drainage.
For decks with waterproof membranes (like over living space), proper slope and drainage systems are critical.
Flashing between the deck and your home is the difference between a new deck, and costly structural repairs.
Why it matters: Water that doesn’t drain properly leads to rot, warping, and slippery surfaces when it refreezes.
Sealing and Protecting the Structure
Wood exposed to the elements needs protection—period.
Sealants and stains protect against moisture intrusion, UV damage, and mold.
In cold climates, we recommend reapplying sealant every 1–2 years, depending on foot traffic and ice and water/sun exposure.
Joist tape (applied to the top of framing members) adds an extra layer of protection to the substructure.
Proper use of metal flashing helps divert water away from your home.
We always use corrosion-resistant fasteners (think galvanized or coated screws), especially where snow sits and traps moisture.
Pro Tip: When attaching your deck boards to the framing, don't drive the screw heads past the surface of the decking. The holes left behind if you over drive screws allows snow and water to collect, prematurely rotting your decking.
Snow Management Tips
Even the best-built deck can suffer if snow is left to pile up unchecked. I encourage all my clients to use these winter maintenance practices:
Use a plastic grain shovel (find at Bomgaars in Afton or True Value in Thayne) to avoid damaging the deck surface.
Shovel with the grain of the boards to avoid catching edges.
Don’t use salt or harsh ice melts—opt for pet- and plant-safe alternatives that are gentler on finishes.
Clear snow off regularly to prevent excess weight and moisture saturation.
Foundation and Framing Considerations
What’s under your deck matters just as much as what’s on top:
Deeper footings (36" is minimum frost depth in Star Valley Ranch, WY) are required to stay below the frost line in Star Valley.
We always use concrete piers for long-term stability. Having your concrete piers extend 12-16" above the dirt goes a long way in keeping snow off the load-bearing posts.
Beams and joists are spaced a minimum of 16" on-center for strength and load-bearing—especially important for heavy snow accumulation.
Always use galvanized fasteners when nailing framing members together.
Install Simpson deck tension ties for a sturdier connection between your deck and home.
Look through dimensional lumber span tables to figure out what sizing for your joists. When in doubt, always overbuild!
Result: A sturdy, long-lasting deck that won’t shift, sag, or sink come spring thaw.
Final Thoughts: Built for Beauty and the Backcountry
In a place like Star Valley, Wyoming, a deck isn’t just an accessory—it’s part of your home’s year-round living space. Whether it’s cooking out with friends and enjoying sunset views in July or shaking off a snowstorm after cross-country skiing in January, your deck should be up to the task.
At Unshakeable Custom Homes, we specialize in decks built for durability, comfort, and seamless style. Let’s build something that lasts through every season—and still looks good doing it.
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